riwâq

Glossaries

Term	Definition
riwâq	A riwâq is a covered gallery supported by columns or arcades, typical of Islamic architecture. The riwâq is a recurring architectural feature in mosques, madrasas, caravanserais, and other Islamic religious or civic buildings. It appears as a covered gallery, usually open on one side, supported by columns or arches. In mosques, the riwâq often surrounds the courtyard (sahn), providing sheltered space for circulation and prayer. In madrasas or caravanserais, it serves as a transition between interior and exterior spaces, offering protection from sun and rain. Beyond its practical function, the riwâq enhances the aesthetic quality of the building, with decorated arches, balanced proportions, and light-and-shadow effects. Over the centuries, it has become a defining element of Islamic architectural identity across regions from North Africa and the Middle East to the Indian subcontinent.

Term

Definition

A riwâq is a covered gallery supported by columns or arcades, typical of Islamic architecture.

The riwâq is a recurring architectural feature in mosques, madrasas, caravanserais, and other Islamic religious or civic buildings. It appears as a covered gallery, usually open on one side, supported by columns or arches.

In mosques, the riwâq often surrounds the courtyard (sahn), providing sheltered space for circulation and prayer. In madrasas or caravanserais, it serves as a transition between interior and exterior spaces, offering protection from sun and rain.

Beyond its practical function, the riwâq enhances the aesthetic quality of the building, with decorated arches, balanced proportions, and light-and-shadow effects. Over the centuries, it has become a defining element of Islamic architectural identity across regions from North Africa and the Middle East to the Indian subcontinent.